Nigeria U20 National Team Faces Player Withdrawals Due to Training Camp Changes
Dubem Eze and Abube Onuchukwu have withdrawn from Nigeria’s U20 national team due to a training camp relocation. The players, originally set to participate in friendlies against Ivory Coast, cited concerns stemming from last-minute notifications and the unknown nature of the new training site. The Nigeria Football Federation had communicated with their clubs for player release, yet ultimately the players opted out.
The Nigeria U20 national football team, known as the Flying Eagles, has encountered the withdrawal of two key players, Dubem Eze from Bolton Wanderers and Abube Onuchukwu from Ipswich Town. Both players had initially committed to representing Nigeria at the international level instead of England’s Young Lions, following their official call-up to the squad.
The Flying Eagles prepared in Abuja prior to their friendlies against Ivory Coast, but a shift in the training camp to Katsina State on March 9, 2025 prompted their withdrawals. Communication issues led to late notifications for Eze and Onuchukwu regarding the camp changes, resulting in their absence from the friendlies.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) extended a second invitation to both players for the final training phase leading up to the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations. Assistant Head of International Competitions, Aliyu Lawal Ibrahim, coordinated with their respective club academies for the players’ release. Despite the training camp not aligning with FIFA’s schedule, both clubs agreed to release them.
However, following the training camp relocation to Katsina, the players decided to withdraw from the squad, expressing apprehension about the circumstances. This situation reflects the challenges faced by national teams when coordinating with clubs abroad for player participation in international competitions.
In summary, the withdrawal of Dubem Eze and Abube Onuchukwu from the Nigeria U20 national team stems from communication failures regarding the training camp relocation. Despite their initial commitment to represent Nigeria, concerns over the uncertainty surrounding the new camp location led to their decision to step back. The Nigeria Football Federation remains proactive in managing player availability for upcoming competitions, yet challenges persist in coordinating with overseas clubs. The team’s performance may now face implications due to the absence of these two promising talents as they prepare for the impending Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
Original Source: www.allnigeriasoccer.com
